The price of evolution: bigger brains, faster aging
The brain regions that have developed in human evolution are also the most vulnerable to aging
Recent research suggests that the brain regions that have expanded most in human evolution are also the most vulnerable to aging.
A comparison of species
Scientists have compared human brains with those of our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Both species share a basic brain structure, but over the millennia the human brain has undergone significant expansion in certain areas. These regions, associated with higher cognitive functions such as planning and decision making, have grown faster than others.
Ageing is accelerating
However, this accelerated growth seems to have a downside. The same regions that make us unique, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, are those that shrink most rapidly with age. In other words, the parts of our brain that allow us to think abstractly and solve complex problems are also the first to show signs of deterioration.
Why do they age faster?
The precise reasons for this are not yet fully clear. Scientists speculate that the greater complexity of these brain regions makes them more energy-intensive and therefore more susceptible to damage over time. It is as if these parts of the brain are constantly working at full speed, accelerating the aging process.
The implications for our lives
This discovery has important implications for our understanding of ageing. Suggests that age-associated cognitive decline may be, at least in part, an inevitable consequence of our evolution. While our brains have allowed us to achieve great things, they have also made us more vulnerable to age-related changes.
The future of research
This research opens new perspectives for the study of brain aging. Understanding the mechanisms that govern brain ageing is crucial to developing new therapeutic strategies. Scientists are exploring different ways, from non-invasive brain stimulation to developing drugs that can protect brain cells from damage. In addition, in-depth studies are being conducted on the role of environment and lifestyle in brain ageing. Healthy eating, regular physical activity and cognitive stimulation could slow the cognitive decline and improve the quality of life for older people.